The year 2025 marked a significant turning point for AI dictation applications. While voice-to-text tools have existed for years, they were historically slow and prone to errors, often working well only for those with very clear speech and specific accents. Recent breakthroughs in large language models and speech-to-text technology have dramatically enhanced these systems, enabling them to better understand spoken words while maintaining context for proper formatting. Developers have integrated features to automatically structure text, eliminate filler words, and correct verbal stumbles, producing drafts that require minimal editing. With the explosive growth of AI, the market is now flooded with options. To help navigate the choices, here is a selection of the most effective and practical dictation apps available this year.

**Wispr Flow** Wispr Flow is a well-funded AI dictation application that allows users to add custom words and specific instructions. It offers native applications for MacOS, Windows, and iOS, with an Android version currently in development. Users can tailor transcriptions by selecting from "formal," "casual," or "very casual" writing styles to suit different contexts like personal messaging, work documents, or emails. When integrated with vibe coding tools such as Cursor, it can automatically identify variables or tag files within a chat. The free tier permits up to 2,000 words per month on desktop versions and 1,000 words on iOS. Subscription plans, which start at $15 per month, provide unlimited transcription.

**Willow** Willow promotes itself as a major efficiency tool for anyone who prefers speaking over typing. Beyond standard auto-editing and formatting, it employs large language models to generate extensive text from just a few spoken keywords. The app adopts a privacy-centric approach by storing all transcriptions locally on the user's device and offering an opt-out from model training. It also supports custom vocabulary to adapt to industry-specific terminology or regional dialects.

The desktop app allows 2,000 words of free dictation per month. Individual subscriptions begin at $15 monthly, granting unlimited dictation and the ability for the app to learn and remember your personal writing style.

**Monologue** For users prioritizing privacy, Monologue allows its model to be downloaded and run entirely on a local device, ensuring no data is sent to the cloud. Additionally, the app's tone of voice can be customized based on the applications it is used with. The free plan includes 1,000 words per month, while a subscription is priced at $10 per month or $100 annually. Notably, top users of the app may receive a special Monokey accessory from the company.

Keyboards are so 1983.

You only need one key—Monokey, the limited edition device that turns your voice into text in Monologue.

We're giving away 10, along with a free annual subscription to Monologue. pic.twitter.com/nXuz1ll2LU

— Monologue (@usemonologue) November 18, 2025

**Superwhisper** While primarily a dictation app, Superwhisper can also transcribe audio and video files. It offers the flexibility to choose and download various AI models, including its own options that balance speed and accuracy, as well as NVIDIA's Parakeet speech recognition models. Users can write custom prompts to guide the transcription output and easily view both raw and processed transcripts integrated with the system keyboard.

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The core voice-to-text functionality is free. Users receive a 15-minute trial of Pro features like translation and advanced transcription. The paid tier allows the use of personal AI API keys and integration of both cloud and local models without usage limits. Pricing options are $8.49 per month, $84.99 per year, or a one-time lifetime subscription for $249.99.

**VoiceTypr** This application adopts an offline-first, subscription-free model, utilizing local models for all transcriptions. An open-source version is available via a GitHub repository for users who wish to self-host. VoiceTypr supports more than 99 languages and is compatible with Mac and Windows. A free three-day trial is offered, after which users can purchase a lifetime license. Pricing is set at $35 for one device, $56 for two, and $98 for four devices.

**Aqua** Aqua is a Y-Combinator-backed voice typing client for Windows and MacOS that boasts some of the lowest latency in its category. In addition to managing grammar and punctuation, it enables text autofill through spoken phrases; for example, saying "my address" will prompt the app to insert your stored address. Aqua also provides its own speech-to-text API for use in other applications.

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The free plan includes 1,000 words per month. Paid plans start at $8 per month with annual billing, unlocking unlimited words and support for 800 custom dictionary entries.

**Handy** Handy is a free, open-source transcription tool that runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. The application is relatively basic with limited customization, but it serves as an excellent starting point for users new to voice dictation who prefer a no-cost option. Its settings menu allows users to toggle a push-to-talk function and reassign the hotkey that activates transcription.

**Typeless** Typeless stands out in this category by offering a generous free word allowance. The company states that it does not retain user data or employ it for model training. The app can also suggest improved versions of sentences if it detects a stumble. The free tier permits up to 4,000 words per week, which equates to roughly 16,000 words per month. An unlimited plan is available for $12 per month with annual billing, providing access to all new features. Typeless is compatible with Windows and MacOS.